Essential travel now allowed

Residents can get back on the roads for essential travel, such as going to and from work.

The Johnson County commissioners have changed the county's status to a travel watch, which means residents are discouraged from traveling except for emergencies or other necessary travel, such as going to and from work.

The change was made Monday evening so that employers could have more time to make a decision about whether to open on Tuesday, Johnson County Emergency Management Agency director Stephanie Sichting said. Although roads are still icy, local officials felt comfortable allowing some traffic to get back on roads, she said.